well i found the lc emblem, that's done. now i just need the grill. i could go for one online, but i'd rather not pay 80 bucks. once i have that, the rest should be easy. we'll see.

 

where'd you get the emblem?

 

Here's a chrome one for sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2442638282

 

I have a 96 grill I'll trade you

 

cal,

yeah, that photochop job looks bad ass! i gotta do this mod too. where did you buy the lc emblem?

butnut: where's a good online place?

bob

 

www.sor.com
right in the good ol SFV

 

cal,

thanks for the link! now which one did you get? which FJ emblem?

bob

 

okay, here's the beakdown.

at that website, i searched for fj40 in the catalog search, then clicked the very first link, 4wd emblems. this is where you get your three t o y o t a choices, based on year/series.

i ordered the first one, the 1958-9/73 one. here's why:
1) it has the look i want
2) it's the least expensive
3) it's made of metal. the guy on the phone said the others are plastic anyway.

there you have it. i sure hope i find a grill soon, i want this done. now. i'd trade, but i want to keep my 2002 grill for now. can you really even paint a chrome one anyway?

 

haha, that's sounds like Y2Khai!

www.y2khai.com

 

Hey Cal, I can't get the price link to work...how much was it?
Yes, you can paint the plastic chrome. I'd sand it with 400 grit and use an 2 part epoxy primer, then color & clear. That Ebay grille looks good and low starting bid. I should have my grille here in a day or 2. Wish I could weld, I'd do it all myself and make a few to sell. Hey Bob, I see ya wanna do one too..kool. The white emblem is the one Satoshi used, but the metal chrome one is half the price and it can be powdercoated white...I may leave it chrome or go white...next question...who's gonna finish first?

 

haha, it won't be me, I'm waiting on a write-up.

 

Bob is really good at those!

 

hehe, I know, that's what I'm counting on. hehe.

 

Hey, if you fly me to Hawaii, I'll do some for ya!!

 

Hey Cal,

thanks for the scoop. i think that either you or butnut will finish first! and thanks for the compliment, guys. i'm blushing like a schoolgirl in love. anyways when i get back to the US, i'll order the emblems but i'm gonna really have to think how to do the grill part the right way. i can't exactly see how satoshi did it on his grille. maybe steve's (robinhood15000) wife can write a little nihon go and ask him how he did it? maybe he can enlighten us!

bob

 

Hey Bob. I took a good look at Satoshi's grille in the close up. I'll probably use a 1/2" round or square mild steel for the frame. 1/8" perimeter gap from the inside of the shell. Tack weld the mesh to the frame..not sure if I want to wrap the mesh over the frame or just cut flush with the edge. Small Stanley L brackets can be cut and tacked on for attaching to the shell. Completion will depend on when my friend can help me.
If you look at the left corner where the grille meets the inner shell, you can see the frame and gap detail...
Satoshi grille

 

not fair. you have to wait till i get the grill. then the race is on.


which brings me to my next point. i called a couple auto painting shops and they said $100 bucks to paint the grill black. they ought to line the thing in diamonds for that kinda money, it's just a grill anyway. anyone know of a better way to get it painted right?

 

I could get it done free. hehe. lining with diamonds would be extra though.

 

so keisur, buddy ol pal. did i mention how nice your runner is lately yesiree

 

I guess if you're talking painting the plastic grille and mesh, 100 bucks aint too bad. Most shops have a minimum hourly rate for small jobs. Plastic does require special prep. I'd assume they will clearcoat and buff too. I'm leaning towards keping mine chrome and powdercoat the mesh black. I have a lot on my plate here with my guitar projects so you'll probably beat me by a mile.